Derek McInnes is edging closer to becoming the new manager of Hearts after the club formally opened talks with Kilmarnock.
The 53-year-old has been identified by the Tynecastle club and their advisors Jamestown Analytics as the preferred candidate to take over from Neil Critchley, who was sacked last month.
Hearts made a formal approach to Kilmarnock today and the clubs are now locked in talks as they seek to thrash out a compensation package.
McInnes is keen on making the move to Tynecastle and it is understood that Killie won’t stand in his way so long as his release clause, which is believed to be six figures, is met.
Hearts are pushing ahead and would like to have McInnes appointed as soon as possible, perhaps even in the dugout for Wednesday night’s home clash with St Johnstone.
The former Aberdeen boss is still expected to take Kilmarnock’s training tomorrow and could address the media ahead of their trip to face Motherwell.
Derek McInnes is keen on moving to Hearts after a formal approach by the Edinburgh club
McInnes helped Kilmarnock secure Premiership safety with a 3-2 win over Dundee on Saturday
Neil Critchley was sacked by Hearts after an unsuccessful six-month spell as manager
Whilst Hearts are keen for a deal to be wrapped up as soon as possible, much will depend on McInnes himself and Killie’s willingness to let him go before the end of the season.
Should he be granted permission to speak to Hearts and chooses to take the job, his first game could ironically be back at Rugby Park on the final day of the season on Sunday.
This is the second time he has been identified to Hearts through the use of Tony Bloom’s Jamestown Analytics firm.
McInnes was also in the frame when Steven Naismith was sacked earlier in the season, but Hearts were reluctant to pay compensation and chose Critchley instead.
His current contract with Killie runs until 2027 and McInnes secured the club’s survival in the top flight with a 3-2 win over Dundee on Saturday.
Hearts have prioritised a manager with proven experience of Scottish football and a track record of success in the league.
McInnes won the League Cup with Aberdeen and consistently had them challenging at the top of the table.
He also led Killie back up from the Championship and qualified for Europe last season, albeit this campaign has been more difficult.
Just 24 hours after Killie’s win over Dundee, he appeared as a pundit on Sky Sports as part of their coverage of Rangers’ clash with Aberdeen at Ibrox.
Speaking on Sunday afternoon, McInnes said: ‘I’m hearing there might have been contact between the clubs but there’s been nothing official from my point of view.
‘I think with everything, whether you’re a player or manager, if compensation is agreed, then it’s over to the player or manager.
‘But I need to stress we’re not at that stage. I’ve got a good relationship with the club.
‘It has been a busy week, trying to put Kilmarnock first and foremost. It was a brilliant win for us on Saturday.
‘We had work to do to make sure we secured Premiership status and thankfully the boys have been good enough to do that.
‘I’ve just really been concentrating on that. That’s all I can say at the minute.’
McInnes turned down the chance to manage Rangers and Sunderland during his spell in charge at Aberdeen.
Asked if interest can be unsettling, he added: ‘Having done this job a long time now sometimes you take it with a pinch of salt.
‘At times, you’re linked and you get used to it. A lot of the times you’re linked with things and there’s nothing in it.
‘We’ve had a job in hand in terms of taking care of the club and winning games.
‘Four wins from the last five has been really good for us and the lads have stepped up at the right time, just when we needed it. That’s been the complete focus.’
